Pivoting Vacuum Nozzle With Locking Positions for Hard Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard-surface suction devices, such as window vacuums, face challenges when cleaning vertical surfaces from floor to ceiling, requiring horizontal movement near the floor to avoid leaving streaks and inefficiencies in suction nozzle alignment.
Innovation Solution
A suction nozzle with a joint that defines a pivot axis, allowing the suction opening to be pivoted relative to the suction channel, and a blocking device with a locking mechanism that enables adjustable locking positions, allowing for optimal alignment and mobility to clean vertical surfaces without streaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suction nozzle is fixed rigidly to the suction device, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to clean vertical surfaces from floor to ceiling without streaks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The joint enables dynamic repositioning of the suction nozzle relative to the suction device, allowing the suction opening to be oriented at different angles (including vertically downward) to clean floor-to-ceiling surfaces without streaks, while the locking mechanism provides static stability when positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle is separated from the suction device by an articulated joint with first and second joint elements that can pivot relative to each other, allowing independent positioning of the nozzle while maintaining connection to the main device
2Ease of operation
If the joint allows continuous movement for flexible positioning, then ease of alignment is improved, but stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint transitions between dynamic (movable during alignment) and static (locked during operation) states, providing both alignment flexibility and operational stability as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element pre-loads the locking mechanism to ensure positive engagement in the locked position, preventing accidental displacement during operation while allowing easy release when needed
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses strong engagement forces, then position stability is improved, but ease of release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary that stores and releases mechanical energy to both secure the locked position strongly and facilitate easy release when the locking elements are actuated
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, streak-free cleaning of vertical surfaces from top to bottom by allowing the suction nozzle to be aligned and locked in various positions, improving handling and operational flexibility for users.
Implementation Method 1
the locking mechanism comprises at least one biasing element, which the first and second locking elements holds in a basic position of the locking mechanism in the locking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to improve the manipulation of a suction nozzle, in particular for a portable hard-surface suction apparatus comprising a suction device, for cleaning hard surfaces. According to the invention, the suction nozzle has a suction opening connected to a suction channel, wherein the end of the suction channel facing away from the suction opening can be connected to the suction device. In order to achieve said aim, it is proposed that a joint is disposed or formed between the suction opening and the end of the suction channel so as to move the suction opening relative to the end of the suction channel and that a blocking device is provided for the force- and/or form-fitting blocking of the joint in at least one blocking position. The invention further relates to an improved hard-surface suction apparatus.